The article outlines several gluten-free pasta options that can satisfy cravings for traditional pasta. Brown rice pasta, made from ground brown rice and water, retains a similar texture to traditional pasta and is a healthy alternative. Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” made by spiralizing zucchini into thin strands, offer a low-carb option for pasta. Chickpea pasta, made from chickpea flour, provides a protein-packed substitute with a slight nutty flavor. Spaghetti squash, which separates into thin strands that resemble spaghetti when cooked, can be served with any sauce or topping. The article concludes by offering a recipe for each of the four pasta options.
Delicious Gluten-Free Pasta Options That Will Satisfy Your Cravings
If you’re on a gluten-free diet, you don’t have to miss out on pasta. There are many gluten-free options available that are just as delicious as traditional pasta. Here are some of our favorite gluten-free pasta options, along with recipes to help you make them at home.
1. Brown Rice Pasta
Brown rice pasta is a healthy and delicious gluten-free option. It’s made from ground brown rice and water, and it has a similar texture to traditional pasta. You can find brown rice pasta at most health food stores, as well as some larger grocery stores.
Recipe: Brown Rice Pasta with Roasted Vegetables
- 1 package brown rice pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 yellow squash, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Combine sliced vegetables, olive oil, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Spread vegetables evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the brown rice pasta according to the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and serve with the roasted vegetables.
2. Zucchini Noodles
Zucchini noodles, also known as “zoodles,” are a gluten-free and low-carb alternative to pasta. They’re made by using a spiralizer to shred zucchini into thin, spaghetti-like strands. You can use zucchini noodles as a base for many different types of sauces and toppings.
Recipe: Zucchini Noodles with Tomato Sauce
- 4 large zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well.
- Simmer the tomato sauce for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss well to coat with the tomato sauce.
- Cook the zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes, or until tender.
- Serve hot.
3. Chickpea Pasta
Chickpea pasta is a protein-packed gluten-free option that’s made from chickpea flour. It has a slightly nutty flavor and a firm texture that’s similar to traditional pasta. You can find chickpea pasta at most health food stores, as well as some larger grocery stores.
Recipe: Chickpea Pasta with Pesto
- 1 package chickpea pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cook the chickpea pasta according to the package instructions.
- While the pasta is cooking, combine basil, parmesan cheese, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until well combined.
- Drain the pasta and toss with the pesto sauce.
- Serve hot.
4. Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is a naturally gluten-free option that’s perfect for those who are looking for a low-carb alternative to pasta. When cooked, spaghetti squash separates into thin strands that look like spaghetti. You can serve spaghetti squash with any type of sauce or topping.
Recipe: Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce
- 1 spaghetti squash
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- Place the spaghetti squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the flesh is tender.
- Remove the spaghetti squash from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Using a fork, scrape the flesh of the spaghetti squash to create long, thin strands.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the spaghetti squash strands to the skillet and toss well to coat with the oil.
- Add the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce is hot.
- Serve hot.
Conclusion
There are many delicious gluten-free pasta options available that will satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re in the mood for brown rice pasta, zucchini noodles, chickpea pasta, or spaghetti squash, you can create a delicious and healthy meal that’s both gluten-free and satisfying. Try out these recipes at home and experiment with your own flavor combinations to find your favorite gluten-free pasta dishes.